Public Health at Evacuation Centers and Shelters

The California Department of Public Health is working closely with Butte County and other counties affected by wildfires to monitor evacuation centers and shelters for contagious diseases such as Norovirus. CDPH is providing epidemiologic and laboratory support to monitor illness, as well as recommend control and prevention measures. In addition, CDPH is providing teams to support local health departments at shelters to support infection control assessments, and to train shelter staff to prevent and control transmission of infectious diseases.

Wildfire Safety and Air Quality

For information regarding Air Quality in your area, visit Air Quality.

For information on N95 Particulate Mask Use and Distribution Locations, visit Masks.

Wildfires

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your risk by preparing now – before wildfire strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and where to go if wildfires threaten your area.

Protect Yourself During a Wildfire

During a wildfire event, the first things you should protect are yourself and your loved ones. If you are ordered to evacuate your home or the area, do so immediately. All else is secondary.

TOP TIPS

When a wildfire is threatening your area, follow these guidelines:

Listen to local area radio, or TV stations for the latest wildfire information.

Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Make sure you have an emergency kit, complete with medications, copies of prescriptions and medical supplies.

Practice Wildfire Safety

People start most wildfires. Find out how you can promote and practice wildfire safety.

Contact your local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway entrances and display your name and address.

Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.

Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.

Post fire emergency telephone numbers.

Plan several escape routes away from your home – by car and by foot.

Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills (medical or technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get home.

Before Wildfire Threatens

Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind. Select materials and plants that can help contain fire rather than fuel it. Use fire resistant or non-combustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of your home, or treat roofs, siding, decking or trim with UL-approved fire-retardant chemicals. Plant fire-resistant shrubs and trees. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir trees.

Create a 30-100 Foot Safety Zone Around Your Home

Within this area, you can take steps to reduce exposure to flames and radiant heat. Homes built in pine forests should have a minimum safety zone of 100 feet. If your home sits on a steep slope, standard protective measures may not be enough. Contact your local fire department or forestry office for additional information.

Rake leaves, dead limbs and twigs.

Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures.

Clear a 15-foot space between tree crowns, and remove limbs within 15 feet of the ground.

Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.

Trim tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.

Ask the power company to clear branches from power lines.

Remove vines from the walls of the home.

Mow grass regularly.

Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and grills. Place a screen over the grill – use non-flammable material with mesh.

When Wildfire Threatens

If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.

Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.

Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.

Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside the threatened area.

Evacuation Center/Shelter

Returning Home

If you are returning home you may find you need to clean up, find out more below.

If your house is still intact after the wildfire and does not have visible exterior damage, it's likely you can occupy the home once evacuation orders have been lifted. However, you do so at your own risk. If your home is in close proximity to hazardous debris and ash, you may want to consider a professional smoke damage inspection to assess the level of indoor exposure and identify how to safely remove the smoke damage.